How Angie Pallisier turned a one-day surf event into a global movement
Britt JamesWhen Angie Pallister found herself back in the ocean during the uncertainty of 2020, she didn’t expect to build a global surf movement. But something clicked.
What started as a playful one-day event for women to reconnect through surfing has grown into a worldwide sisterhood — bringing over 750 women back to the waves (and back to themselves) through retreats, connection, mindset work, and a whole lot of joy.
Angie, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Sisterhood of Surf?
Hey, I’m Angie — a women’s health, surf apnea, business and (only a couple of hours off being a fully) certified surf coach. I’ve lived many lives and worn many hats - but the current one? This is my favourite. I call it the 2.0 era of Angie — the version of me that came full circle back to the ocean.
Sisterhood of Surf (SOS) has become the space where all my passions and skills collide.
In 2020, when COVID kept shutting down my fitness studio, I found myself in a weird pause. I ended up throwing myself back into surfing partly for the sanity, partly for the joy. I hadn’t realised just how much I missed the ocean, having grown up in it. There’s something about being out there where nothing else matters.
But I quickly noticed — I had no women to share the joy with. So I hosted a one-day surf event for sisters in my fitness studio - it was playful, educational, supportive, and beginner-friendly. It was a space where women could have fun, feel strong, and do something just for them. That day lit a spark in me, and in the woman who paddled out.
Two months later, in November 2022, SOS was born. Since then, we’ve grown into a global community. By the end of this year, we’ll have helped over 750 women reconnect with the ocean — and themselves.
How old were you when you first started surfing, and what drew you to the waves?
I grew up surrounded by surf. My dad and brother were both great surfers, and me? I was the “Queen of the whitewash.” I didn’t even know there were levels in surfing, lol — I just knew I loved it.
I was your classic surf-obsessed teen: shell necklaces, Roxy and Billabong posters plastered on the walls and surf shop jobs on the weekends.
Then came my 20s — corporate roles, study, launching 'The Active Sisters' fitness business. Life got real busy and I drifted from surfing. But when I turned 33 I made the decision: I was going to really surf. I hired a coach and the moment I paddled back out, I fell in love with my younger self all over again.
For the last five years, I’ve thrown myself into everything surf; personally and professionally. Surf lessons, surf holidays, weekends watching surf on YouTube, creating surf fitnessworkouts and becoming a surf apnea coach. Not only did I bring sisters along for the ride, I brought my hubby — and we haven’t looked back.
What’s the biggest lesson surfing has taught you?
There’s always something to learn. Just when you think you’ve got it, the ocean humbles you. Surfing has been my greatest teacher and most powerful healer.
It’s also taught me patience, presence, and how to let go of perfection — in and out of the water.
And the friendships? Life-changing. The women I’ve met through surfing — they’ve become sisters I’m deeply grateful for.
What kind of board do you ride these days, and why does it work for you?
I started on an 8ft foamie, then graduated to a 6’6” hardboard. Now I ride the 5’8” Chi Chi by Salt Gypsy — and I’m obsessed. It’s zippy, smooth, and I can finally duck dive, which has opened the door to bigger waves.
I also just spent a month in Indonesia and decided to try longboarding on a 9’4” — and oh my god, I had so much fun. So now I’m officially riding both: the thrill of shortboards and the glide of longboards. Why choose?
What motivated you to create Sisterhood of Surf, and how has it evolved?
It started with a simple need: I wanted women to surf with. I wanted women to laugh with after a wipeout, celebrate the little wins, and share the stoke.
I went on a surf camp and had a sisterhood lightbulb moment — no one was doing beginner retreats for women. As a beginner myself, I saw the gap between standing up for the first time and being “intermediate.” So, I created what I wished existed whilst I was on that trip. I had also been travelling for years to places, trying new experiences and making friends who would now become part of this chapter.
Since then, SOS has grown alongside our community. We now offer both beginner and intermediate retreats, and we travel the world together.
But SOS is more than retreats. It’s a movement. A space for women of all ages to come together through travel, surf, culture, mindset work, and connection.
There’s something magic about women cheering each other on in the water. That’s the sisterhood.
I also launched a podcast on Spotify last year, Sisterhood of Surf. We talk to amazing women in the surf industry — from those launching surf businesses to those learning to surf in their 50s.
On my last trip, someone stopped me in the surf to ask if it was me, and told me she had listened to all of our podcast episodes. I love that we can inspire women outside of the surf.
ho is Sisterhood of Surf designed for, and what kind of experiences do you offer?
SOS is for women who love the ocean, crave connection, and want to spark something within.
It’s for women of all ages — whether you’re new to surfing, coming back after a break, or ready to level up. We've got you! We also have contacts to amazing coaches all over that we help connect sisters with.
Where do you currently run your retreats, and what makes these locations special?
We run one-day events on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, and retreats in Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
These places are special not just for the waves — but for the communities. I love bringing our sisters to meet local friends who feel like family and supporting the incredible businesses there.
Our retreats go beyond the board. We dive into culture, connection, movement, mindset — with plenty of laughter and adventure.
Looking ahead, where do you envision Sisterhood of Surf in the next five years?
I’ve got some big dreams brewing behind the scenes that I'm working on as we speak.
In five years, I see SOS growing into a global platform — not just for surfing, but for leadership, mentorship, community and impact. I want to see women from our community stepping into roles within SOS — coaching, leading, and growing it with me.
I see more retreats, more destinations, more online platforms, mentorship programs, merch — and most of all, more connection and more salty-haired women in surf sisters!
